Canadian to lead Opera North
OrchestrasThe next Leader of the Orchestra of Opera North is to be Katie Stillman, presently first violin of the Villiers Quartet.
She succeeds David Greed, who is stepping down after four decades.
Katie, originally from London, Ontario, says: ‘Over the past few years, I have been excited by the energy, imagination and musicianship of the amazing players, singers and conductors in this Company. The versatility of the orchestra, ranging from its incredible concerts on the stage, in the pit, in schools and for families is remarkable, and I can’t wait to get to know the audiences.
‘I was given my first orchestral work with Opera North when I was a student in Manchester, so it feels wonderful to now be involved in its future’.
photo: © Alejandro Tamagno/Opera North
Congratulations! Excellent musician from Toronto
Fantastic appointment!
She’ll have a hard act to follow! Wish her well.
Hope it goes well, but what happened to all our British violinists with so few jobs to apply for?
When push comes to shove it’s the person who comes out as the right appointee after the rigorous audition and trial process – and neither nationality nor anything else irrelevant should come into it. Brava Katie.
There is no push coming to shove other than no British or European violinists applied. Opera North is a regional opera company, nt an international house like Covent Garden.
All positions like this are international and prestigious. Not sure why you believe no British or European violinists applied??? I would be amazed if that is true and am sure it is not.
You’re absolutely correct Jo. It is not true in any way.
What on earth are you talking about? And how would you even know about the applications? What you have said is completely untrue, and ludicrous.
Ms Stillman is Associate Leader of Manchester Camerata and an experienced member of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, as well as teaching in RNCM and Chetham’s School of Music. She has also performed with Opera North Orchestra.
Without prying to ask her if she has obtained British citizenship (I doubt Slipped Disc has) where she was born is irrelevant as she has contributed so greatly to music performances and musical education in the North.
Also, the Berlin Philharmonic has Leaders from Japan and from USA, the Royal Opera House Orchestra has a Leader from Bulgaria, while Mahler Chamber Orchestra has a Leader from Britain. It’s an international field nowadays.
The music world is a bit like the science world (my domain) it’s ‘workers are internationally employable. If a country starts saying ‘let’s only employ our ‘own’) then their’s will not be exactly welcome elsewhere.